House Bill

HB 1165

Various animal related matters.

In plain English

Removes partial liability for damages when a person removes a domestic animal from a motor vehicle. Increases certain penalties for offenses involving animals and creates a defense for an uninvolved person attacked by a law enforcement animal. Applies animal cruelty laws to rodents that are not nuisance rodents, and makes other changes.

Written by AI from the official digest below, and checked only by automated rules. If they differ, the official digest and bill text control.

Official digest

Removes partial liability for damages when a person removes a domestic animal from a motor vehicle. Increases certain penalties for offenses involving animals, and establishes a defense for an uninvolved person attacked by a law enforcement animal. Sets forth new definitions and amends various definitions for offenses relating to animals. Specifies that animal cruelty statutes apply to a rodent that is not a nuisance rodent. Makes certain acts an aggravating circumstance for purposes of sentencing.

Latest action: Signed by the Governor, March 4, 2026Full text and history at iga.in.gov

Authors and sponsors

Wendy McNamara, Cyndi Carrasco, Spencer Deery

Co-authors and co-sponsors: Beau Baird, Steve Bartels, Mike Andrade

Roll-call votes

3 recorded votes, oldest first. Third-reading votes decide whether a bill passes a chamber; amendment votes and procedural motions are listed too.

House · Jan 28, 2026

Third reading: vote to pass

Roll call text: HB 1165 - McNamara - 3rd Reading

Passed

85 yes6 no9 did not vote

Republicans: 58 yes, 6 no, 5 did not voteDemocrats: 26 yes, 0 no, 4 did not voteIndependents: 1 yes, 0 no

How each member voted

Yes (85)

No (6)

Did not vote (9)

Senate · Feb 24, 2026

Third reading: vote to pass

Roll call text: HB 1165 - Carrasco - 3rd Reading

Passed

42 yes6 no2 did not vote

Republicans: 34 yes, 5 no, 1 did not voteDemocrats: 8 yes, 1 no, 1 did not vote

How each member voted

House · Feb 25, 2026

Final vote: concurrence or conference report

Roll call text: HB 1165 - McNamara

Passed

78 yes14 no8 did not vote

Republicans: 58 yes, 5 no, 6 did not voteDemocrats: 19 yes, 9 no, 2 did not voteIndependents: 1 yes, 0 no

How each member voted

Yes (78)

No (14)

Did not vote (8)

Source: Open States, compiled from the Indiana General Assembly's official roll calls. The official record at iga.in.gov controls. Spot an error? Let us know.